Challenge
Interview

What are your main musical influences and/or people you admire?
Allison: "I come from a more progressive background and listened to bands like Kansas, Rush and Queensryche. Whereas Arno is influenced by melodic rock like The Eagles, Golden Earring, Jeff Beck and Adje Vandenberg."

When did you form Challenge?
Allison: "Arno already had a few different line-ups of Challenge, while living in Holland. Although Challenge really started coming together after I hooked up with him."

Please introduce the other band members to our readers and will you also take them on tour abroad?
Allison: "Arno and I are the main members of the band. As for the rest of the band, it really depends on availability. We like to play with the best musicians in L.A., but that also means they are the most requested. For instance, drummer Toss Panos tours with Steve Vai on occasion and just recorded with Paul Rodgers and producer Eddie Kramer. This means our live band line-up can vary from gig to gig. As for touring in Holland, we would consider getting some great Dutch players rather than flying over the band and equipment from America."

Don't you think it will be hard for a band like yourself to come up with a music style (progressive/melodic rock with pop influences) that isn't very trendy? A lot of A.O.R. bands call it quits because they don't believe there's any hope for them.
Allison: "We don't necessarily see ourselves as an A.O.R. band. To many, A.O.R. implies a somewhat dated style with a limited audience. We prefer to see ourselves as a non-trendy melodic rock band, which draws a huge audience. Just look at Melissa Etheridge or The Eagles. We try not to commit to any trends, because when the trend is over, so is the band."

You released your first CD on Splash International Records. How did that come about?
Allison: "It's a new independent label here in L.A. We have our own production/publishing company, called ALV Music."

Tell us something about the songs on "Acoustic Universe." I see most lyrics are very personally minded. Do you want to make a statement with them and don't you mind sharing your emotions and personal feelings with other people?
Allison: "I wouldn't say we're trying to make a statement rather than expressing our feelings and thoughts at that time based on how the music moved us. I don't really mind sharing thoughts I feel strong about. Not to mention things I feel people can relate to. With so many disturbing things happening in the world everyday, it's hard to get up in the morning but you do it. That's what got me to write "Wake Into Daylight."

What made you decide to produce your own CD?
Allison: "It's really more of a financial issue. We feel we are good producers ourselves and only a top notch producer of the caliber of someone like Mutt Lange, could improve on that. Unfortunately, that's not in our budget at the moment. In the future, we will continue to produce ourselves, although we would like to have a co-producer. It's always good to have an objective outside opinion."

Do you listen to other female rock singers?
Allison: "Funny you should ask that, but no I really don't. I just haven't found anyone that I can identify with. It just worked out that the singers I related to were male singers, like Geoff Tate, Steve Walsh and Steve Perry."

What's the music scene like in Los Angeles today?
Allison: "In the last few years there hasn't been much in the way of good bands to come out of the L.A. music scene. It has been especially bad on the famous Sunset Strip i.e. the Whiskey and the Roxy. However, with the opening of new clubs like The House Of Blues and Billboard Live, it's getting better. These clubs are booking good bands with good songs."

Did you already play live with Challenge in the U.S.? Tell us about it.
Allison: "We've played quite a bit and the response has been great. In addition to our regular gigs, we are getting into doing acoustic coffee house gigs with just Arno and myself."

Do you have any plans to promote your CD in Europe?
Allison: "At the moment playing in L.A. keeps us pretty busy. We are working on getting shows in Europe, but sorry no dates to confirm yet."

Are you going to release a single and/or video clip from this CD?
Allison: "We're planning on it, but probably not right away."

What are your goals with Challenge and your future plans?
Allison: "Our main goal right now is to get our record released outside the U.S. Especially the Benelux and Germany are very important to us. It would be easy for us to promote the CD and tour there. I have visited Holland many times and I always have a great time. Next time I come over, it will be on tour!"

Please give your comments to the following keywords.
UNPLUGGED: "A real pure way of presenting our songs. We love it!"

JOHN WETTON: "Good vocalist. I like ASIA and I'm waiting to hear his new stuff. Unfortunately, it's not out in the U.S. yet and probably won't be any time soon. Hey, could you send me a copy?!"

ELIZABETH SABINE INSTITUTE: "The Sabine Institute has given me a lot of exposure."

UNDERGROUND MAGAZINES: "They are great, because the fan base is very loyal and the people involved with putting these magazines together sincerely love music."

JOS VERSTAPPEN: "Ironically, Jos Verstappen is Arno's dad. Not to be confused with the race car driver."

Do you have any messages for our readers or something to add to this interview?
Allison: "We hope to have our CD available to you real soon and we can't wait to play in Holland and show you what we've got!"